Types Of Mortar And Their Applications
With much of the ancient mortar still in existence remaining durable to this day. This makes it one of the oldest building materials due to its properties allowing large structures to be constructed from small components.
Mortar is the element that bonds bricks and other masonry units together, providing structural capacity. In its essence it is comprised of a mixture of fine aggregates, a binder and water which creates a paste. This paste is used in masonry construction as a bedding and adhesive to bind and fill gaps between brick, concrete or stonework.
There are many different types of mortar used in the construction industry, however, these can be broken down to four main types of mortar mix: N, O, S and M. Each of these types has a different ratio of cement, lime and sand to create specific performance qualities. These differing ratios can affect flexibility, bonding and compressive strength and the best mortar mix will depend on the project it is required for.
The Difference Between Cement, Concrete And Grout
Mortar is different to cement, concrete and grout. The binding agent in both mortar and concrete is cement. Concrete has far greater strength than mortar and is often used as a material on its own for construction of structures. Grout only fills gaps between tiles and doesn’t act as a binding material. It is also made without the lime additive found in mortar and is high in water content.
Type N Mortar
Type N mortar mix is recommended for above-grade walls and interior load-bearing walls. It is a medium strength mortar that withstands high heat, low temperatures and severe weather. Considered as a general purpose mix it is the mortar mix of choice for homeowners and general applications. It is made of a ratio of one part Portland cement, one part lime and six parts sand.
We recommend Sika MonoTop 412 N if your project requires a Type N mortar mix.
Type O Mortar
Used in non-load-bearing interior jobs due to its low strength, Type O mortar mix has very limited exterior use. Due to its flexibility it is used to repair mortars and is used with sandstone and other low compressive strength materials. Lower strength mortars are not inferior to high strength mortars as lower strength mixes have better adhesive and sealing qualities. Type O mortar mix is made using one part Portland cement, two parts hydrated lime and nine parts sand.
If you’re looking for a flexible mortar mix for concrete repairs we recommend looking at the Pozament Easy Patch Mortar from tarmac.
Type S Mortar
Type S mortar mix is a medium strength mortar that is stronger than Type N and can be used for below-grade exterior walls. It has been designed to work in environments where the building materials come into contact with the ground. This mortar mix has a ratio of two parts Portland cement, one part hydrated lime and nine parts sand.
Ardex A46 Rapid Setting and Hardening External Repair Mortar is an ideal choice if you require a mortar suitable for external situations.
Type M Mortar
Type M mortar is the highest strength mortar mix and should only be used where substantial compressive strength is needed. It is used for below-grade applications where extreme pressure or lateral roads is likely. It is ideally used with stone and in foundations and retaining walls. This mix is made with three parts Portland cement, one part hydrated lime and 12 parts sand.
If your project requires a high strength mortar mix then we suggest Weber Five Star repair Concrete.
Author Admin. Category Concrete Repair. First published Tue, 11 May 2021 12:00:00 +0100